I would love to see WWE Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn defeat World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns at the Crown Jewel this weekend, and I think if more stars made the trip to Riyadh, it could happen at 946 interference. Unfortunately, I don’t think so, but I’m really happy that Zayn cuts some strong, great promos before the match, which is what we saw tonight.
Zayn came out to open SmackDown after hitting Reigns with the Helluva Kick after the 946 on Raw. He didn’t get to address the crowd for long before Jimmy Uso came out to face him. I loved how Zayn told The Uso that he’s still his “Honored Shoulder” and family is forever, pretty much the opposite of what he told Reigns, and I especially loved Zayn telling him that in another world he would absolutely help Bloodline fight Royce Keys’ faction.
I also loved the switch after that line where Zayn said that in this world he is finally the WWE Champion. When he said he thought Uso would be the one to catch, I was always confused, thinking he was confusing him with Jey Uso, who once held the World Heavyweight Championship, but since Zayn isn’t a dummy, it certainly made sense quickly. He explained that Jimmy has always been the one to pull the trigger before others, doing what he had to do, like during Zayn’s time at Bloodline, and it was Uso who took him down first after betraying Reigns. I really liked Zayn telling that whole story, even if the Usos aren’t in the match tomorrow, because it helped solidify this story with Reigns without the champion even being present.
Zayn is absolutely right when he says he does what it takes to get the respect he deserves, and finally, he has that respect from Reigns. After Monday, he has Reigns’ attention, 100 percent, according to Uso, and he’s ready for the fight.
WWE is also balancing the Zayn/Reigns Crown Jewel match and Bloodline’s feud with 946 much better than I expected. Keys and the 946 attacked the Uso after this promo, and instead of helping his ‘Uce, Zayn just walked away. I’m not sure how the Zayn vs. Reigns feud will continue after Crown Jewel, but it all adds up to their story next time they meet, which is going to be fantastic.
Written by Daisy Ruth